New program in Winneshiek County will make it easier to test for nitrogen levels in tile water

A new program in Winneshiek County is providing kits to farmers to make testing tile water for nitrogen easy.

The kits include strips for testing the level of nitrogen in the water and a booklet with information on how nitrogen is lost, instructions on using the strips to test for nitrogen and on farm solutions for retaining nitrogen.

The Winneshiek County Soil and Water Conservation District and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach are making kits available to farmers so they can test the nitrogen levels of water leaving their farm for themselves.

Farmers can obtain kits by contacting Corey Meyer or Michelle Elliott of the Winneshiek SWCD at (563) 382-4352, extension 3.  They can also stop by the office at 2296 Oil Well Road in Decorah to pick up a kit.  A limited number of kits are available.

Visit www.retainiowa.com for more information including a short video on how to use the strips to test water.